URGENT: Manhunt underway for couple after 4-year-old girl found dead with ‘severe burns’

Michigan authorities and the U.S. Marshals are searching for a Sumpter Township man and woman after police found a 4-year-old daughter dead in their home.

ABC7 reports that Sumpter Township are actively searching for Brad Fields, 28, and Candice Diaz, 24. The couple is wanted in connection with the death of Vicky “Gabby” Barrett. Diaz is the biological mother of the child.

Police found Gabby unresponsive on Jan. 1 at around 10:45 a.m., inside her family home in Sumpter Township. Authorities arrived to the home after a family member called in for emergency help. Responding officers noted the child had  “obvious severe burns about her extremities.”

Candice Diaz and Brad Fields
Candice Diaz and Brad Fields [Police Handout]
After administering CPR on the girl, authorities rushed her to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. A Washtenaw County Medical Examiner ruled the little girl’s death as a homicide, with signs of “Battered Child Syndrome.”

Meanwhile, Diaz and her boyfriend, Fields, fled the scene and are currently on the run. A manhunt is underway for the couple, who may be in a black 2002 Chevy Cavalier, with Michigan license plate number, DTR 1854. They both have warrants for their arrest on charges of torture, child abuse, felony murder, and second degree murder.

[Photo: US Marshals]
Gabby’s biological father, Kyle Barrett, isn’t a suspect in the child’s murder, according to FOX2. He said his ex had custody of the little girl at the time of her death.

“She didn’t have to pass the way she did but I hope we get justice for her really soon. I know we may not have a lot of information at all, but, it just hurts,” said Barrett.

Michigan State Police and the Child Protective Services agency are currently assisting with the crime investigation. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshal Detroit Fugitive Apprehension team at 313-234-5656, or contact the Sumpter Township Police at 734-461-4833 ext. 305.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Vicky Gabby Barrett/Handout]